Polyaxial bone anchoring device with enlarged pivot angle

Abstract

 A polyaxial bone anchoring device including an anchoring element (1) having a shaft (2) for anchoring in the bone and a head (3), the head having a spherically-shaped outer surface portion (3a); a receiving part (4, 4', 4") pivotably connected to said head (3), the receiving part having a top end (4a) and a bottom end (4b), a longitudinal axis (C) extending through the top end and the bottom end, a transverse channel (9) for receiving a rod (100) and an accommodation space (11, 11', 11") for accommodating the head (3), the accommodation space (11, 11') having a lower opening (12) at the bottom end (4b), a sleeve-like insert piece (5) encompassing a portion of the head (3) having an outer spherical surface portion (51) and being configured to pivot in the receiving part, wherein a lower edge (5b) of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) extends through the lower opening (12) when the sleeve-like insert piece is seated in the receiving part in a position in which its sleeve axis (5c) is coaxial with the longitudinal axis (C); a pressure member (6, 6', 6", 6'''), the pressure member being arranged at least partially in the accommodation space (11, 11', 11"), wherein the pressure member has a lower surface portion (61) that contacts the head (3) to exert pressure onto the head; wherein the anchoring element (1) is pivotable with respect to the receiving part (4, 4', 4") and can be locked at an angle by exerting pressure with the pressure member (6, 6', 6", 6"') onto the head (3) to lock the head and the sleeve-like insert piece (5) simultaneously in the receiving part.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a polyaxial bone anchoring device with an enlarged pivot angle. The bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element for anchoring in a bone or a vertebra and a receiving part for coupling the bone anchoring element to a stabilization element such as a spinal rod, wherein the bone anchoring element is pivotable in the receiving part and can be pivoted out of the central axis with an enlarged pivot angle. The orientation of the enlarged pivot angle can be selected within a range of 360° around the central axis and is automatically achieved by pivoting the receiving part relative to the bone anchoring element.

[0002] A polyaxial bone anchoring device with an enlarged pivot angle is described in US 6,736,820. This bone anchoring device comprises a bone screw and a receiving part with a seat for the head of the bone screw. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free of the receiving part is of asymmetric construction. In a modified embodiment, an insert piece is provided, which has a spherical bottom as a seat for the head of the screw member.

[0003] US 2007/0118123 A1 describes a polyaxial bone anchor with increased angulation. The polyaxial bone anchor has a locking element shaped and configured to allow an anchoring member e.g. a screw or hook to polyaxially rotate at large angles about a central axis of the bone anchor before compression locking the anchoring member within an anchor head.

[0004] Although the polyaxial bone anchoring devices described above provide for enlarged angulation in a desired orientation there is still a need for an improved polyaxial bone anchoring device in terms of simplicity of the design.

[0005] It is the object of the invention to provide a polyaxial bone anchoring device that allows the adjustment of the orientation of an enlarged pivot angle which has a simple design while equally providing high efficiency of fixation.

[0006] The object is solved by a polyaxial bone anchoring device according to claim 1. Further developments are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] The polyaxial bone anchoring device has few parts which are of simple design. Therefore, the bone anchoring device is easy and cost effective to manufacture. It provides safe fixation, since the pressure to lock the angular position of the anchoring element with respect to the receiving part is applied effectively only in axial direction. The bone anchoring device is devoid of any flexible parts or portions. Therefore it is reliable even if during adjustment of the angular position the orientation of the enlarged pivot angle is changed several times.

[0008] The pivot angle of the bone anchoring element relative to the receiving part is equal to or greater than 45° measured from the straight position. This renders the bone anchoring device particularly suitable for the application of lateral mass fixation for example in the cervical spine.

[0009] The locking mechanism for locking the anchoring element and the sleeve-like insert piece provides a high clamping force on a small surface. Therefore, the locking mechanism is efficient.

[0010] Although in the lower part of the receiving part an insert member is arranged which needs space for placement, the upper portion of the receiving part can be designed small in size.

[0011] The bone anchoring device can be designed as a top loading device wherein the anchoring element is inserted from the top or a bottom loading device wherein the anchoring element is inserted from the bottom.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments by means of the accompanying drawings.

[0013] In the drawings:

Fig. 1.

shows a perspective exploded view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device with a spinal rod according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2

shows a perspective view of the bone anchoring device of Fig. 1 in an assembled state.

Fig. 3

shows a cross-sectional view of the bone anchoring device of Fig. 1 and 2 in the assembled state without rod and fixation screw, the section being taken along the rod axis.

Fig. 4a)

shows a side view of the pressure element of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4b)

shows a cross-sectional view of the pressure element, the section being taken along line A-A in Fig. 4a).

Fig. 4c)

shows a bottom view of the pressure element.

Fig. 4d)

shows a perspective view of the pressure element.

Fig. 5a)

shows a side view of the sleeve-like insert piece of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5b)

shows a perspective view of the sleeve-like insert piece.

Fig. 5c)

shows a cross-sectional view of the sleeve-like insert piece along line B-B in Fig. 5a).

Fig. 5d)

shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the insert piece as shown in Fig. 5c).

Figs. 6a) to 6e)

show steps of aligning the polyaxial bone anchoring device with regard to the orientation of the enlarged pivot angle.

Fig. 7

shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the polyaxial bone anchoring device.

Fig. 8

shows a perspective view of the bone anchoring device of Fig. 7 in an assembled state.

Fig. 9a)

shows a cross-sectional view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of Fig. 7 and 8 in an assembled state, the section being taken perpendicular to the rod axis, wherein the bone anchoring element assumes a first position with respect to the receiving part.

Fig. 9b)

shows a cross-sectional view of the bone anchoring device in the assembled state wherein the bone anchoring element assumes a second position with respect to the receiving part.

Fig. 10a)

shows a perspective view from below of the receiving part of the bone anchoring device according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 10b)

shows a cross-sectional view of the receiving part, the section being taken along line C-C in Fig. 10a).

Fig. 10c)

shows a side view of the receiving part.

Fig. 10d)

shows a cross-sectional view of the receiving part, the section being taken along line D-D in Fig. 10c).

Figs. 11 a) to 11g)

show steps of assembling the sleeve-like insert piece and the receiving part.

Fig. 12

shows a perspective view of assembling the receiving part with sleeve-like insert piece and the bone anchoring element with the pressure element.

Fig. 13

shows a perspective exploded view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device according to a modified embodiment.

Fig. 14

shows a cross-sectional view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of Fig. 13 in an assembled state.

Fig. 15

shows a perspective exploded view of a third embodiment of the polyaxial bone anchoring device.

Fig. 16

shows a cross-sectional view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of Fig. 15 in an assembled state with rod and without fixation device, the section being taken perpendicular to the rod axis.

Figs. 17a) to 17c)

show different views of the pressure member of the polyaxial bone anchoring device according to Figs. 15 and 16.

Figs. 18a) to 18b)

show different views of the receiving part of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of Fig. 15 and 16.

Figs. 19a) to 19g)

show steps of assembling the polyaxial bone anchoring device according to Figs. 15 and 16 in different views.

Fig. 20

shows a side view of a step of use of the polyaxial bone anchoring device after assembly.

[0014] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, a polyaxial bone anchoring device according to a first embodiment includes a bone anchoring element 1 in the form of a bone screw having a threaded shaft 2 and a head 3. The head 3 typically has a spherically-shaped outer surface portion 3 a and a recess 3b at its free end for engagement with a driver. The head 3 is held in a in receiving part 4 that couples the bone anchoring element 1 to a stabilization rod 100. In the receiving part 4, a sleeve-like insert piece 5 providing a seat for the head 3 and a pressure member 6 for exerting pressure onto the head 3 of the bone anchoring element are arranged. Furthermore, a fixation element in the form of a fixation screw 7 is provided for securing and fixing the rod 100 in the receiving part 4.

[0015] The receiving part has a top end 4a and a bottom end 4b, a central axis C and a coaxial bore 8 extending from the top end 4a in the direction of the bottom end 4b. Adjacent to the top end 4a a substantially U-shaped recess 9 is provided that forms a channel for receiving the rod. By means of the recess 9, two free legs are formed which are provided with an internal thread 10 cooperating with the fixation screw 7.

[0016] The coaxial bore 8 opens into an accommodation space 11 provided in the lower part of the receiving part 4. The accommodation space 11 has a lower opening 12 at the bottom end 4b of the receiving part. The accommodation space 11 further comprises a seat portion 13 near the bottom end 4b of the receiving part in which the sleeve-like insert piece 5 is seated. The seat portion 13 has a spherical shape in order to provide a socket for a ball and socket joint that is formed by the sleeve-like insert piece 5 and the receiving part 4. It should be noted that the seat portion 13 can also be tapered or can have another shape that can be used to realize a ball and socket joint. The inner diameter of the lower opening 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the accommodation space 11. It shall be noted that the inner diameter of the coaxial bore 8 does not need to be constant between the top end 4a and the accommodation space 11. It may have different portions with different diameters.

[0017] The sleeve-like insert piece 5 is shown in particular in Figs. 3 and 5a) to 5d). The sleeve-like insert piece comprises an upper edge 5a and a lower edge 5b. Between the upper edge and the lower edge the sleeve-like insert piece comprises a spherically-shaped outer surface portion 51. The largest outer diameter of the sleeve-like insert piece is greater than the inner diameter of the lower opening 12 of the receiving part. Hence, the sleeve-like insert piece can not escape through the lower opening 12 when it is seated in the receiving part. The dimension of the outer spherical surface portion 51 corresponds to that of the spherically-shaped seat portion 13 in the receiving part in such a way that the sleeve-like insert piece 5 can pivot and rotate in the receiving part when it is seated in the seat portion 13. When the sleeve-like insert piece 5 rests in the seat portion 13 such that its center axis 5c is coaxial with the center axis C of the receiving part, the lower edge 5b projects out of the lower opening 12. When the sleeve-like insert piece 5 is pivoted in the receiving part, as shown for example in Fig. 3, at least a portion of the lower edge 5b still projects out of the lower opening 12.

[0018] The the sleeve-like insert piece 5 is hollow and comprises a central portion 52 that is spherically-shaped with a radius corresponding to the radius of the spherically-shaped outer surface portion 3 a of the head 3 of the anchoring element 1. The lower end of the central portion 52 forms a shoulder 53. The inner diameter of the shoulder 53 is smaller than the largest outer diameter of the spherical head 3 so that the head 3 can rotate and pivot in the central spherical portion 52 of the sleeve-like insert piece 5 similar to a ball and socket joint. Between the shoulder 53 and the lower edge 5b a tapered portion 54 is provided that tapers outward to allow angulation of the bone anchoring element 1 until the shaft 2 comes into contact with the lower edge 5b. Between the spherical central portion 52 and the upper edge 5a a tapered portion 55 is provided which tapers outward. The inner diameter of the tapered portion and of the transition between the tapered portion 55 and the spherical central portion 52 is always greater than the largest outer diameter of the head 3 so that the head 3 can be inserted from the upper edge 5a. At the upper edge 5a a chamfered portion 56 is provided that may serve as a stop for the pressure member 6.

[0019] The center points of the spherical central portion 52 and of the outer spherical portion 51 may be offset in such a way that the center point of the inner central spherical portion 52 is shifted in the direction towards the bottom end 4b. By means of this, the range of angulation for the bone anchoring element 1 can be further increased. The height of the sleeve-like insert piece 5 in axial direction is less than the height of the head 3 in axial direction such that when the head 3 is inserted into the sleeve-like insert piece 5 still a portion of the spherical outer surface 3 a of the head 3 projects from the upper edge 5a of the sleeve-like insert piece 5.

[0020] The pressure member 6 is shown in particular in Figs. 1, 3 and 4a) to 4d). The pressure member 6 is substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter that allows it to move within the coaxial bore 8 and the accommodation space 11. It has a upper end 6a and a lower edge 6b. Adjacent its lower edge 6b the pressure member 6 comprises a spherical recess 61 with a spherical shape that matches the spherical shape of the outer spherical surface portion 3 a of the head 3. Adjacent the lower edge 6b, there is a tapered portion 62 that can abut against the chamfered portion 56 of the sleeve-like insert piece 5. At the upper end 6a, the pressure member 6 comprises a cylindrical recess 63 for receiving the rod 100 therein. Furthermore, pressure member 6 has a coaxial bore 64 for allowing access to the screw head 3 with a tool. The coaxial bore 64 is also configured to allow a portion of the head 3 to extend therethrough when the bone anchoring element is in a pivoted condition, as shown in Fig. 3. The height of the pressure member 6 in an axial direction is such that when the fixation screw 7 is tightened it presses onto the upper end 6a of the pressure member 6 while the pressure member 6 acts only onto the head 3 of the bone anchoring element.

[0021] The bone anchoring device according to the first embodiment may be pre-assembled in such a way that the sleeve-like insert piece 5, the head 3 of the bone anchoring element 1 and the pressure member 6 are arranged in the receiving part 4. For assembling the bone anchoring device, the sleeve-like insert piece 5, the bone anchoring element 1 and the pressure member 6 are all inserted through the top end 4a. The pressure member 6 is arranged in an aligned position in which the cylindrical recess 63 is aligned with the U-shaped recess 9 of the receiving part for receiving the rod. The pressure member 6 may be held provisionally in this position, for example, by crimping.

[0022] The bone anchoring device as a whole or in parts is made of a bio-compatible material, such as a bio-compatible metal, for example titanium, stainless steel, a bio-compatible alloy, such as Nitinol, or of bio-compatible plastic materials, such as, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0023] The steps of use of the bone anchoring device according to the first embodiment are shown in Figs. 6a) to 6e). First, the anchoring element is inserted in the bone part or in a vertebra that is to be stabilized. Usually several bone anchoring devices are needed to fix a stabilization rod to the bone parts or vertebrae to be stabilized. After the bone anchoring elements are inserted, one example of which is shown in Fig. 6a), the receiving part 4 is adjusted by pivoting and/or rotating it on order to be able to take up the stabilization rod.

[0024] In the condition shown in the Figs. 6a) to 6e) both, the sleeve-like insert piece 5 and the head 3 of the bone anchoring element 1 are independently and freely pivotable. The sleeve-like insert piece 5 is rotatable and pivotable in the receiving part 4 and the receiving part 4 and the sleeve-like insert piece 5 are rotatable and pivotable with respect to the head 3 of the bone anchoring element. The sleeve-like insert piece 5 provides for an enlarged range of angulation compared to the case where the head 3 is directly received in the receiving part 4 because it projects out of the lower opening 12 thereby enlarging the distance between the shaft 2 of the bone anchoring device and the abutment provided by the edge of the lower opening 12. Since the sleeve-like insert piece 5 is rotatable and pivotable within the receiving part, the enlarged range of angulation can be achieved at any position of the receiving part with respect to the bone anchoring element within 360° around the central axis C of the receiving part. As shown in Fig. 6b), pivoting of the receiving part with respect to the bone anchoring element initially essentially maintains the position of the sleeve-like insert piece 5. As soon as the shaft 2 of the bone anchoring element comes into contact with the lower edge 5b of the sleeve-like insert piece as shown in Fig. 6c) and in the enlarged portion according to Fig. 6d), the sleeve-like insert piece 5 is also pivoted. The shaft 2 pushes the insert piece 5 until the shaft 2 abuts against the edge of the lower opening 12 of the receiving part as shown in Fig. 6e). Hence, in Fig. 6e), the receiving part is pivoted at a maximum pivot angle with respect to the bone anchoring element 1. The maximum pivot angle to be achieved depends on the dimensions of the sleeve-like insert piece 5 and the receiving part and the bone anchoring element but is typically equal to or greater than 45° measured from the straight, i.e. zero angle position.

[0025] While in Figs. 6a) to 6e) an example is shown in which pivoting is carried out in a plane that contains the rod axis, it should be noted that the same steps can be carried out at 90° to the plane containing the rod axis or at any other directions within 360° around the central axis C of the receiving part 4.

[0026] Finally the rod is inserted and the inner screw 7 is tightened to press the pressure member 6 onto the head to lock the head and the sleeve-like insert piece simultaneously.

[0027] Figs. 7 to 12 show a second embodiment of the bone anchoring device. Parts and portions which are the same or similar to those of the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and the description thereof is not repeated. The bone anchoring device of the second embodiment differs from the bone anchoring device of the first embodiment by the construction of the receiving part and the pressure member. All other parts are identical to those of the first embodiment.

[0028] The presence of the sleeve-like insert piece 5 may have the consequence that in order to have the space for the insert piece, the lower portion of the receiving part has an increased outer diameter compared to receiving parts which do not have such an insert piece. There is, however, a need that at the location of the rod the receiving part has a small size. The receiving part 4' according to the second embodiment has a smaller outer diameter than the upper portion which takes up rod compared to the receiving part of the first embodiment as can be seen in particular in Figs. 7, 8 and 10. The receiving part 4' has two tapered outer surface portions 41a, 41b which taper towards the top end 4a to reduce the size. The tapered outer surface portions 41a, 41b are located 180° offset from each other transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rod which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the U-shaped recess 9. Therefore, the dimension of the receiving part 4' in the direction of the rod axis is reduced compared to that of the first embodiment. In order to have sufficient wall strength, the coaxial bore 8' has a smaller diameter compared to the coaxial bore 8 of the first embodiment. The diameter of the coaxial bore 8' is smaller than the largest outer diameter of the sleeve-like insert piece 5. The coaxial bore 8' opens toward an accommodation space 11'. The accommodation space 11' has the seat portion 13 and a lower opening 12 as in the first embodiment. Further, it has a dome-shaped portion 14 between the seat portion 13 and the coaxial bore 8'. The dome-shaped portion 14 and the seat portion 13 define a largest inner diameter of the accommodation space 11' which is larger than the inner diameter of the coaxial bore 8'. Further, the receiving part 4' may have an outwardly tapering portion 15 tapering outwards from the opening 12 to further increase the range of angulation of the bone anchoring element. The size of the accommodation space 11' is such that the sleeve-line insert piece 5 can be tilted therein when it is introduced from the top end 4a in a tilted position as will be explained below.

[0029] In order to allow the sleeve-like insert piece to be introduced from the top end 4a, two opposed recesses 42a, 42b are provided in the inner wall of the coaxial bore 8' and the accommodation space 11'. The recesses 42a, 42b are aligned with the U-shaped recess 9. The extend from the bottom of the U-shaped recess 9 into the accommodation space 11'.

[0030] The size of the recesses 42a,42b is such that the sleeve-like insert piece 5 can be introduced from the top end in a 90° tilted position, i.e. the width of the recesses is greater than the height of the sleeve-like insert piece in its axial direction. The recesses 42a,42b extend into the accommodation space to such an extent, that tilting of the insert piece 5 into the seat 13 is possible.

[0031] Furthermore, the receiving part comprises at least one pin hole 16 for receiving a pin 17 as shown in Figs. 7 to 10. The pin hole 16 is arranged at 90° relative to the channel axis. A second pin (not shown) may be provided on the other side of the receiving part, however, it is not necessary to provide a second pin.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 7 and 9a) to 9b) the pressure member 6' differs from the pressure member 6 in that it has instead of the tapered portion 62 a cylindrical portion 62' with a diameter which is slightly smaller than that of the cylindric main portion. The outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 62' is smaller than an inner diameter of the upper tapered portion 55 of the sleeve-like insert piece 5 so that the lower cylindrical portion 62' is arranged at least partially within the upper tapered portion 55 of the sleeve-like insert piece 5. By means of this, the pressure member 6' does not touch the sleeve-like insert piece 5.

[0033] The pressure member 6' has on its one side perpendicular to the cylinder axis of the cylindrical recess 63 a coaxial recess 65 in its outer wall which is closed towards the bottom edge 6b and open towards the upper end 6a. The bottom of the recess 65 towards the lower edge 6b may be rounded. The recess 65 serves for receiving the pin 17 which holds the receiving part in an aligned position so that the cylinder axis of cylindrical recess 63 and the channel axis of the U-shaped recess to receive the rod are aligned. The recess 65 and the pin 17 form a device for preventing rotating and escaping of the pressure member 6'.

[0034] The position and dimension of the pin hole, the pin and the recess 65 may be configured such that the pressure member 6' is provisionally fixed to exert a slight preload onto the head 3. By means of this the head 3 is clamped by friction before it is finally locked by tightening the fixation screw 7 and pressing down the pressure member 6'. Hence, the receiving part can be held in an adjustable angular position with respect to the bone anchoring element. Pivoting the receiving part with respect to the bone anchoring element is still possible by applying a force that is greater than the friction force.

[0035] The steps of assembling the bone anchoring device of the second embodiment are shown with respect to Figs. 11a) to 11g). First, as can be seen in Figs. 11a) and 11b) the sleeve-like insert piece is tilted by 90° and inserted in the receiving part at the position of the U-shaped recess 9. Then, as shown in Figs. 11c) and 11d), wherein Fig. 11d) is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 11c), the insert piece 5 is moved downward into the accommodation space 11'. Since the outer diameter of the insert piece 5 is larger than the inner diameter the lower opening 12, the insert piece can not escape through the lower edge of the opening 12. Then, as shown in Figs. 11e) to 11g) wherein Fig. 11g) is a cross-sectional view of the receiving part according to Fig. 11f), the insert piece 5 is titled so that it finally is seated in the seat portion 13, as shown in Fig. 11g). Thereafter, the bone anchoring element 1 with the pressure member 6' on top of its head 3 is inserted from the top end 4a. Thereafter, the pressure member 6' is held by introducing the pin 17 into the pin hole until it engages the recess 65.

[0036] Use of the bone anchoring device of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figs. 13 and 14 show a modification of the second embodiment. All parts which are identical to those of the second embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and the description thereof is not repeated.

[0038] The modified second embodiment differs from the second embodiment by the design of the pressure member and of the fixation device. The bone anchoring device has a separate head and rod fixation. This is achieved by the pressure member 6" being higher in axial direction such that instead of the cylindrical recess 63 a U-shaped recess 63' is provided with legs 63a', 63b' that extend above the rod 100 when the rod is inserted in the channel formed by the U-shaped recess 63'. Furthermore, the pressure member 6" may have an oblong recess 65' which is close towards the upper end 6a and towards the lower edge 6b.

[0039] The fixation device 70 is a two-part fixation device comprising an inner screw 71 cooperating with the internal thread 10 of the receiving part 4'. The inner screw 71 has a coaxial threaded hole receiving a set screw 72. The set screw 72 acts upon the rod 100. When the inner screw 71 is tightened it presses onto the top end 6a of the pressure member 6" to exert pressure solely onto the head 3 of the bone anchoring element. With the set screw 72 the rod 100 can be fixed independently.

[0040] The assembly and use of the bone anchoring device according to the modified second embodiment is similar to that of the second embodiment. It shall be noted that the fixation device and the modified pressure member can also be used in connection with the bone anchoring device of the first embodiment.

[0041] A third embodiment of the bone anchoring device is shown Figs. 15 to 20. It differs from the bone anchoring devices of the previous embodiments in that the sleeve-like insert piece is introduced from the bottom end 4a of the receiving part. It differs from the bone anchoring devices of the previous embodiment in that it is so-called bottom loader polyaxial bone anchoring device in which the anchoring element is introducable from the bottom end 4b. As in the previous embodiments, identical or similar features are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0042] The polyaxial bone anchoring device according to the third embodiment has a receiving part 4" which is sized and shaped to receive the anchoring element 1 with the sleeve-like insert piece and the pressure member 6''' from the bottom end 4b. For this purpose the receiving part comprises at its bottom end two recesses 43a, 43b which are offset by 180° from each other and are located at positions perpendicular to the rod axis. The recesses 43a, 43b are open to the bottom end 4b and are sized and shaped such that the sleeve-like insert piece 5 can be introduced from the bottom end 4b into the accommodation space 11" in a 90° tilted position, as for example shown in Fig. 19a). It should be noted that the recesses 43a) and 43b) need not necessarily be positioned at 90° with respect to the rod axis but can be positioned also at 0° or at any other angle with respect to the rod axis. If they are located at 90° with respect to the rod axis, a weakening of the overall strength of the receiving part is low. The accommodation space 11" is substantially hollow hemispherical to allow the insertion of the head with the sleeve-like insert piece and the pressure member 6''' mounted therein. That means, the accommodation space 11" is sized and shaped to allow introduction and rotation of the head with sleeve-like insert piece 5 and pressure member 6''' mounted thereon. The lower portion of the coaxial bore 8" which opens into the accommodation space 11" has a portion 18 tapering outwards towards the bottom end 4b. This allows the head 3 with mounted sleeve-like insert piece and pressure member 6''' to be rotated in the accommodation space 11".

[0043] The coaxial bore 8" can have a smaller diameter compared to the coaxial bore 8 and 8' of the previous embodiments since it is not necessary to guide the pressure member and/or the sleeve-like insert piece there through. Therefore, the size of the receiving part 4' in the upper area can be reduced. A diameter of the coaxial bore 8" as shown in Fig. 16, is smaller than the largest outer diameter of the pressure member 6"'. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a provisional fixation of the pressure member 6' to avoid escaping of the pressure member 6"'.

[0044] The sleeve-like insert piece 5 of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the sleeve-like insert member of the previous embodiments.

[0045] The pressure member 6"', as shown in Figs. 17a) to 17c) is a rotationally symmetric part having an upper end 6a and a lower edge 6b. Adjacent the lower edge it has the spherically-shaped recess 61 as in the previous embodiments. There is no cylindrical recess for receiving the rod, i.e. the upper end 6a is a flat surface. Furthermore, the pressure member 6''' comprises the coaxial bore 64 for allowing access to the screw head access to the head 3 with a driver and for allowing the head 3 to extend partially there through when the bone anchoring element is pivoted at large angles. Adjacent the lower edge 6b the outer surface portion 62 is tapered as in the first embodiment. Adjacent the upper end 6a there is a small spherically-shaped outer surface portion 67 which is sized and shaped to match with the dome-shaped portion 14' of the accommodation space 11' to facilitate rotation of the head 3 with the pressure element mounted thereon. The portion 67 may be small, for example it can be only a chamfered portion to facilitate rotating.

[0046] The assembly will now be explained with respect to Figs. 19a) to 19g). Fig. 19a) shows a side view of the receiving part and the bone anchoring element before assembly. The bone anchoring element is provided with the sleeve-like insert piece 5 and the pressure member 6'''. The sleeve-like insert piece 5 and the pressure member 6''' are tilted so that their central axis is perpendicular to the central axis C of the receiving part. There may be a tool holding the bone anchoring element with the sleeve-like insert piece 5 and the pressure member 6''' mounted thereon in this position. Then, as shown in Fig. 19b) which is also a side view, the bone anchoring element 1 with the sleeve-like insert piece 5 and the pressure member 6''' are introduced in this tilted position from the bottom end through the lower opening 12 into the accommodation space 11". The receiving part and the tilted sleeve-like insert piece 5 are oriented with respect to each other in such a manner that the sleeve-like insert piece can be introduced at the position where the recesses 43a, 43b are provided in the receiving part. Fig. 19c) shows a side view along the rod axis of the position shown in Fig. 19b). Fig. 19d) shows sectional view along line E-E in Fig. 19c). As can be seen in Fig. 19d) upon further insertion from the bottom end the sleeve-like insert piece 5 may extend partially into the coaxial bore 8" and the tapering portion 18.

[0047] Next, as shown in Figs. 19e) and 19f) which are side views of the bone anchoring device, the sleeve-like insert piece 5 and a pressure member are rotated within the accommodation space 11" by pivoting the bone anchoring element. When the shaft 2 of the bone anchoring element 1 abuts against the lower edge 5b of the sleeve-like insert piece, the sleeve-like insert piece 5 pivots with the bone anchoring element. Simultaneously, the pressure member 6''' is guided along the wall of the accommodation space 11". Finally, as shown in the sectional view according to Fig. 19g) the sleeve-like insert piece and the pressure member are in a zero-angle position, i.e. their central axis are coaxial with the central axis C of the receiving part 4".

[0048] When the polyaxial bone anchoring device is finally assembled, the pressure member 6''' projects slightly over the bottom of the U-shaped recess 9. When the rod 100 is inserted, it touches the upper flat surface 6a of the pressure member. Tightening of the inner screw or another fixation device presses the rod against the pressure member 6''' which in turn presses onto the head 3 of the bone anchoring device to simultaneously lock the angular position of the head within the sleeve-like insert piece 5 and of the sleeve-like insert piece 5 within the receiving part 4".

[0049] Further modifications of the embodiments described are conceivable. For example, for the bone anchoring element, all kinds of anchoring elements can be used and combined with the receiving. These anchoring elements are e.g. screws of different length, with different diameters, cannulated screw, screw with different thread forms, nails, hooks etc. The head and the shaft may also be separate parts that are connectable to each other.

[0050] Modifications of the receiving part include instead of the U-shaped recess which is perpendicular to the central axis a recess for the rod which is inclined or open to the side or which is in the form of a closed channel. Other kinds of locking devices including outer nuts, outer caps, bayonet locking devices or others are also possible. In all embodiments the inner surface portion of the pressure member that contacts the head 3 needs not necessarily to be spherically-shaped. It can have another shaped that is suitable to exert pressure onto the head.

[0051] It shall further be noted that portions of the different embodiments described can be combined among each other.

Claims

1. A polyaxial bone anchoring device including
an anchoring element (1) having a shaft (2) for anchoring in the bone and a head (3), the head having a spherically-shaped outer surface portion (3a);
a receiving part (4, 4', 4") pivotably connected to said head (3), the receiving part having a top end (4a) and a bottom end (4b), a longitudinal axis (C) extending through the top end and the bottom end, a transverse channel (9) for receiving a rod (100) and an accommodation space (11, 11', 11") for accommodating the head (3), the accommodation space (11, 11', 11") having a lower opening (12) at the bottom end (4b),
a sleeve-like insert piece (5) encompassing a portion of the head (3), having an outer spherical surface portion (51) and being configured to pivot in the receiving part, wherein a lower edge (5b) of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) extends through the lower opening (12) when the sleeve-like insert piece is seated in the receiving part in a position in which its sleeve axis (5c) is coaxial with the longitudinal axis (C);
a pressure member (6, 6', 6", 6'''), the pressure member being arranged at least partially in the accommodation space (11, 11', 11 "), wherein the pressure member has a lower surface portion (63) that contacts the head (3) to exert pressure onto the head;
wherein the anchoring element (1) is pivotable with respect to the receiving part (4, 4', 4") and can be locked at an angle by exerting pressure with the pressure member (6, 6', 6", 6''') onto the head (3) to lock the head and the sleeve-like insert piece (5) simultaneously in the receiving part.

2. A polyaxial bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve-like insert piece (5) and the anchoring element (1) are independently pivotable when the shaft (2) of the anchoring element (1) and the lower edge (5b) of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) are out of contact.

3. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the shaft (2) of the anchoring element (1) is pivoted and engages the lower edge (5b) of the sleeve-like insert piece (5), further pivoting of the anchoring element (1) causes the sleeve-like insert piece (5) to pivot together with the anchoring element (1).

4. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower surface portion (61) of the pressure member (6, 6', 6", 6''') that contacts the head (3) is at least partially spherical.

5. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the pressure member (6, 6', 6", 6''') is in contact with the head (3), there is a gap between the pressure member (6, 6', 6", 6''') and the sleeve-like insert piece (5).

6. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sleeve-like insert piece (5) has an inner spherical surface portion (52) that forms a seat for the head (3).

7. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of claim 6, wherein the center point of the outer spherical surface portion (51) and the inner spherical surface portion (52) of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) are offset from each other in an axial direction of the sleeve axis.

8. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of claim 7, wherein the center point of the inner spherical surface portion (52) is shifted towards the bottom end (4b) of the receiving part (4).

9. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pressure member (6', 6", 6''') is held in the receiving part (4') such that it exerts a preload onto the head (3) which clamps the head by friction before final locking of the angular position of the anchoring element (1).

10. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sleeve-like insert piece (5) is rotationally symmetrical.

11. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lower opening (12) has a circular cross section and wherein the largest outer diameter of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) is larger than the inner circle diameter of the lower opening (12).

12. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pressure member (6, 6', 6", 6"') has a passage (64) that opens into the accomodation space (11, 11', 11") and that is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the head (3) when the anchoring element is pivoted.

13. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the receiving part (4) has a passage (8) extending from the top end (4a) into the accommodation space (11) and wherein the inner diameter of the passage (8) at the top end (4a) is configured to allow the insertion of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) from the top end (4a).

14. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the receiving part has a passage (8', 8") extending from the top end (4a) into the accommodation space (11', 11") and wherein the inner diameter of the passage (8', 8") at the top end (4a) is smaller than the largest outer diameter of the sleeve-like insert piece (5).

15. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the channel (9) for receiving the rod is formed by a U-shaped recess adjacent the top end (4a) and wherein two recesses (42a, 42b) extend downward from the U-shaped recess into the direction of the bottom end (4b) to allow insertion of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) from the top end (4a) in a tilted position.

16. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the pressure member (6, 6', 6") has a recess configured to receive the rod.

17. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the accommodation space (11 ") comprises two opposed recesses (43a,43b) which extend from the edge bounding the lower opening (12) into the wall of the accommodation space (11") and which are configured to allow the insertion of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) from the lower opening.

18. The polyaxial bone anchoring device of claim 17, wherein the accommodation space (11) is sized and shaped to allow tilting of the sleeve-like insert piece (5) when introduced in a tilted condition from the lower opening (12).

Drawing